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The gemara also teaches us that "all is in the hands of Hashem except for yirat shamayim" (fear of Heaven). According to this, how can we pray (in Birkat Hachodesh): "Give us life that has within it fear of Heaven and fear of sin"? If it is up to us and not Him, how can we ask Hashem for the "gift" of yirat shamayim?
Within Moshe’s summary of the fundamentals of Judaism, fear and love of Hashem, he reviews the events that transpired for the nation. In this context, he commanded the people to remember and forbids them to forget. Furthermore, before conquering the Land, they are commanded not to question their ability to do so (Devarim 7:17) and, after successful conquest, not to congratulate themselves for the success (ibid. 8:17). The antidote to both is to remember what Hashem has done in Jewish history. Forgetting is dangerous; one who remembers believes. He is not afraid of the future and does not believe that he is responsible for his own successes.
It is important to remember past history at a time that Hashem "hides His face." One should remember the hard times and realize that Hashem does not remove His providence, and when there is a need for a miracle, He provides it.
Based on the above, it was not difficult in the miraculous times of Moshe to have fear of Hashem. Just a little bit of remembering should have been enough to give one trust in Hashem and fear of Him. At times when the people do not experience such miracles as existed in Moshe’s time, it is no simple matter to pronounce, "All of this came to us and we did not forget You, and we did not betray Your covenant" (Tehillim 44:18).
Asking for "life that has in it yirat shamayim" is a request for a life in which Divine Providence is clear, so that it will be easier to have yirat shamayim. It is a request that we will not be tested with situations in which the wicked have the upper hand and it is so difficult to find an explanation that fits with a proper outlook. That is an example of life that does not [lend itself to] yirat shamayim.
This year (5708=1947/8) we experienced what Chazal call "meireishit hashana" – a year that is poor in its beginning and rich in its end (Rosh Hashana 16b). In the beginning of the year, we were like poor people asking, "How can we succeed?" Due to a wonderful miracle, we can declare that Hashem gave us "life that has in it yirat shamayim." We just have to remember the miracles and thus "you shall remember that Hashem is the One who gave you strength to make attainments" (Devarim 8:18). Then it will be easier to have yirat shamayim.
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Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
